Posted on 01/17/2021 7:56:58 AM PST by Onthebrink
Movies, TV shows and notably video games have convinced the masses that every soldier fighting in the Second World War was equipped with a submachine gun – but in fact, most soldiers carried a rifle. And in many cases, the rifles were little improved from those used a generation earlier in the First World War.
Below you will find my list of the most well known and used battle rifles of World War II. Some were loved, some were hated–but all were feared, for one reason or another.
(Excerpt) Read more at 19fortyfive.com ...
“ Movies, TV shows and notably video games have convinced the masses that every soldier fighting in the Second World War was equipped with a submachine gun...”
What movies has this guy been watching?
Got a Garand last year.
Took only 5 rounds to zero it.
Amazing accuracy with the peep sight.
I love it.
One rifle that is not on the list is the Mannlicher-Carcano, used by the Italian army. One of these rifles was used to change history a few years after the war.
Wow. Russian British German carry overs from WW1. No wonder the greatest battle rifle ever devised won WW2. Also the German Sturmgewehr44 (yeah more of a carbine) was not mentioned but it morphed into the commie AK which probably killed more people than the rest combined.
Mosin-Negant 1891, Mauser 98K, Lee-Enfield SMLE, Arisaka Type 38, and the M1 Garand.
“For sale. Mannlicher-Carcano Never fired. Only dropped once. “
“Mosin-Negant 1891, Mauser 98K, Lee-Enfield SMLE, Arisaka Type 38, and the M1 Garand.”
And God knows what kind of contraption the French tried to use.
On this list only 2 are notable for changing military history.
1 Mauser
2 Garand
Arisaka rifles were stamped with a chrysanthemum, an imperial symbol. After the war, it is said that General MacArthur ordered the chrysanthemums knocked off before they were made available for sale as war surplus.
I have one of the rare ones that still has its chrysanthemum. The rifle is not in very good condition and I have never shot it, but it still has a bayonet.
Marines fought initially with old Springfield bolt actions as well.
I see what You
Did there,
Oswald.
In before the inevitable dog-tired Patton quote !
Ironically, the French were in the process of designing a semi-automatic rifle, and fielded the bolt action MAS-36 as a stopgap to replace their obsolete Bertiers just until the semi-auto design was perfected.
The war happened, and they never did get the semi-automatic finished, but instead just cranked out MAS-36s.
Rove you magnificent bastard?
Dad was a marine at Guadalcanal. The Marines bought Johnson semi autos and Reising sub machine guns (Reising was crap according to dad) Shortly they replaced them with garands and M1 Carbines. Yes dad trained with a 03 Springfields and lots were all see in the early war. Plenty were used as sniper rifles into the Vietnam era. I have one, excellent accuracy. In a battle I’ll take the garand or an M14(it’s predecessor) over a bolt gun.
I picked up a pair of Ishapore Enfields a few years ago. Factory built in 7.62 NATO. 10 round magazine and the slickest bolt action I’ve ever fired. I can ring a cast iron skillet at 350 yards with the iron sights.
Paid $100 a piece. Wish I’d bought a dozen.
L
Even showed them he could hits bottles out to the grassy knoll from the third floor window.
s/
My Dad brought home a brand new K98K from Germany after the war. He used it for hunting in the fifties. My brother wound up with it and let it rust away to uselessness. What a waste of a fine weapon.
Had mine for about three years (1942 production) - it's cool to hear the occasional "Ohhhh, nice" out at the range.
A very distinct sound, and a classic rifle look. Very accurate - I love mine, too.
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